Low blood pressure receives less attention than high blood pressure, but it can be dangerous if not detected early. Notably, the signs are often vague, easily overlooked, or mistaken for ordinary fatigue.
One of the typical symptoms of low blood pressure that is often overlooked is dizziness when standing up suddenly.
Why is this happening?
This occurs when blood pressure drops rapidly during a change of posture, preventing sufficient blood flow to the brain. As a result, the patient may feel dizzy, lose balance, or even nearly fall, according to the Cleveland Clinic (USA).
Dr. Luke Laffin, a cardiologist at Cleveland Clinic, says many people often ignore this sign, thinking it's just temporary fatigue. However, if it recurs frequently, it could be a sign of orthostatic hypotension – a disorder that needs monitoring.
Orthostatic hypotension is more common in older adults or those taking blood pressure medication, and it increases the risk of falls and injuries, according to the Mayo Clinic.
One of the typical symptoms of low blood pressure that is often overlooked is feeling dizzy when standing up suddenly. Photo: AI
When should we be especially vigilant?
Dr. Lawrence Phillips, a cardiologist at NYU Langone Health (USA), says that repeated dizziness upon standing up can be a sign that the body is having trouble regulating blood pressure. If the symptom occurs frequently, patients should not ignore it but should be checked to rule out any underlying causes.
It's worth noting that dizziness usually only lasts a few seconds to a few minutes, so it's easily overlooked. However, in some cases, it can lead to falls, especially in older adults, increasing the risk of injury.
How can we reduce the risk?
Experts recommend that if you frequently experience this, you should pay attention to some simple measures such as standing up slowly, drinking enough water, and avoiding sudden changes in posture.
Additionally, if symptoms are accompanied by persistent fatigue, rapid heartbeat, or a history of fainting spells, the patient should see a doctor for examination and diagnosis of the cause.
In other words, even a minor symptom like dizziness upon standing up can be an early warning sign of low blood pressure. Recognizing and addressing this promptly will help minimize unnecessary health risks.